Committee reviews development updates, schedules interviews and votes to enter closed session on real estate matter

The Community Economic Development Committee reviewed development staff updates, discussed local projects and set next steps for hiring and property matters.

Staff told the committee the packet included a 2025 home-construction recap, construction updates and a forecast for the economic development fund. Members asked specifically about 1201 South Division Street; staff said there was "possible movement" but no details. Staff also reported a sign company plans to install a sign for a Starbucks location on March 27 and that Starbucks reported a possible roof leak and may change contractors.

Committee members sought clarification on the economic development fund balance. Staff said the fund has no identified revenue stream at present and is operating on a cash balance (listed in the packet as 224,350). The committee discussed scheduling interviews for community development applicants; staff said roughly 12 applications were received, several candidates had been interviewed already, and the committee agreed to hold candidate-only interviews on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.

Later in the meeting Lancaster moved and Platt Miller seconded to enter closed session "to discuss the sale or lease of real estate pursuant to section 2C6 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act." The committee voted in favor and paused the public stream for the closed session. The meeting reconvened and adjourned at about 7:32 p.m.

No final decisions about sale or lease terms were disclosed in the public record at this meeting.